ASHP addresses opioid abuse at White House meeting

Representatives from the ASHP recently discussed opioid abuse at a White House meeting. | Courtesy of Shutterstock

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) recently joined a meeting with the Obama administration at the White House to address the ongoing opioid abuse, overdose and addiction epidemic in the U.S.

The health care professionals wanted to discuss the details of the budget request from the Obama administration for another $1.1 billion, which could be used to lessen the treatment gap for heroin and prescription drug abuse.

Several senior White House officials attended the meeting. The Office of National Drug Control Policy organized the meeting as the first of several that will involve patient advocacy groups and health care providers. The goal is to broaden the accessibility of opioid prevention, treatment and recovery resources.

Other attendees included Deborah Pasko, the ASHP’s director of medication safety and quality; Michael Deich, Office of Management and Budget senior advisor; Michael Botticelli, Office of National Drug Control Policy director; and Natalie Quillian, advisor to the chief of staff.

“Pharmacists can play a major role in solving the epidemic of opioid abuse and misuse, including helping to break the cycle of continuously increased opioid dosing and potency, while ensuring that patients receive appropriate pain management,” ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz said. “We applaud the Office of National Drug Control Policy on its efforts and look forward to our continued partnership.”